The Journey to Software Development: How I Became a Programmer

My path to becoming a software developer was a winding road that took me through various careers and educational endeavors. My journey began with a passion for mathematics and an innate curiosity about how computers worked.

From Mathematics to Teaching

I started off as a mathematics graduate, taking additional courses in statistics and computer science (CS). My first foray into the working world was teaching, but this swiftly turned into a job I loathed. Following teaching, I took on several contract positions, including being a stage lighting technician and statistical analyst for medical research. However, these roles didn't pay well and didn't satisfy my desire for challenge and intellectual growth.

A Dream Car and a New Career Path

One of my old university friends, who had transitioned into software development and owned a fancy 480 car, unveiled a path forward for me. This opportunity was not just about the car impressing me; it was also about the salary he was earning. This set me on a journey to gain the necessary skills through a fully-funded postgrad software engineering course.

The Initial Spark: Assembler Programming

My journey truly began in a college course where I was introduced to assembly-language programming for the Cyber 7600 and the PDP-8. This course was just two credits, but it was enough to hook me. I felt a deep sense that I was made for software development, and if not for this field, I would have had to invent it. This was the spark that ignited my passion for programming.

Deciding to Become a Programmer in Middle School

The fascination with computers started much earlier than my college days. From a young age, I was intrigued by how computers worked and how they could solve complex problems more efficiently than manual methods. In my middle school, we had primitive computers—DOS and BASIC were the norm. These tools allowed me to solve complex mathematical problems in seconds, whereas a calculator and pen would take much longer. I became captivated by the power of programming to create and solve problems, leading me to make a firm decision in middle school that programming would be the focus of my future career.

My Inspiring Computer Teacher

The journey toward software engineering wouldn't have been possible without the influence of Mr. Abhijeet Sircar, my computer teacher in middle and high school. His classes were the ones I enjoyed most, and he was one of the few teachers who genuinely inspired me to continue my journey into computer science and programming. His guidance and passion were instrumental in shaping my future path.

The Challenge of the Chip and the Impact of Government Funding

Later, when I was taking my fully-funded postgrad software engineering course, I found myself in the "challenge of the chip" era. There was a significant amount of government and European funding to develop a skill base in microelectronics. This era laid the groundwork for further advancements in technology and contributed to the foundation of my skills as a software developer.

Reflections and Lessons Learned

Although I didn't manage to acquire the 480, I did end up with a fully restored classic 60’s BSA motorbike, which is a happy story in its own right. Looking back, I realize that the journey to become a software developer was more about the passion and the continuous learning than the end goal of acquiring a specific car. My experiences taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, the importance of choosing a career that aligns with my interests, and the power of mentorship.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my journey to becoming a programmer and software developer was a series of personal and professional growth opportunities. From mathematics to teaching, to software engineering, the path was filled with challenges, but also with the satisfaction of working with something I loved. The road may have been challenging, but the reward of contributing to the world of technology and problem-solving has been incredibly fulfilling.